BLACK LIGHT

A “good” German would cheer and salute Hitler in the 20th century. A courageous German would speak against the Nazis and be killed. Will Christians be able to know good and evil, and will they know what to do about it today? It may happen our lifetime that many Christians will fall away and be replaced by the children of Abraham. The son of David is telling us how to find our life by giving it to Jesus.

Proverbs 24:1-16

1. Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. 2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

All ill-gotten wealth is a death trap to those who live by crime. They are not role models except to fools. So drug dealers with big cars and homes, and corrupt politicians will never tempt you to follow their lead, right? Remember that their whole life is married to their downfall. God does not miss a lie.

3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Pleasant riches may include those that money can’t buy. A home filled with love can also have plenty to eat and good shelter. Prosperity is not all bad and it comes by wisdom.

5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

Not all strength is physical, as we need good relations with man and God. But wisdom can also keep us from things that are bad for our health.

6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

If you are facing hard challenges and threats it pays to plan your way well. Having others who know God and his wisdom is insurance against the needs of the day.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

Even a fool may know when to keep his mouth shut. He does not have a handle on wisdom, and speaking up leaves him exposed to those who do. Even he learns to avoid the shame of his foolishness.

8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

Well the secret plans eventually manifest as actions that others remember. They know his legacy and remember him as a trouble maker.

9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

If you entertain evil ideas you are still indulging a sin that God knows about. But if you express your scorn for others, your fellow man is aware of the evil that comes from your heart and leaves through your mouth.

10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

If you can’t muster a fight when the going is tough you are a weakling. Simple enough? How many simply ignore the danger or leave the fight to others? There is crisis in every generation and god expects us to act on the need. He calls you a weakling if you have no voice in a world of sin.

11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; 12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

When you know that someone is either tempted by danger or ignorant of the danger of their bad choices, you have responsibility. At least one preacher spoke out against Hitler at the cost of his life, and the reward of his soul. Some of those who didn’t speak up were given the job of burying the Jews who died in the concentration camps. The people of that time in Germany had to rebuild their bombed out cities and their lives. There is still a price to be paid. And there will be more choices in our modern world that require us to be accountable to God. This life is the test, and the next one is the reward.

13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

We are not required to taste the bitterness of bad choices. Wisdom is like honey for its good sweet savor. Like honey, wisdom is healthy and will lead you to a sure reward.

15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Why would God warn a thief away from the man who will stand against his crimes? The righteous will survive, and the thief will fall to the judgment of the law. Why offer the honey of wisdom to the wicked man? We are all that evil man, and we all need the help of God. No one is without hope, and the wisdom is offered to those who are failing. They are often the only ones who know that they are falling short of the righteousness of God. He will reach out to whosoever will hear and turn.